Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano expressed his gratitude to local fans in a letter to the Indianapolis Star on Saturday. / Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports

by Chris Strauss, USA TODAY Sports

by Chris Strauss, USA TODAY Sports

Even if the Indianapolis Colts' storybook year ends in Baltimore, the team's amazing rise from a two-win team in 2011 amid coach Chuck Pagano's leukemia fight has been one of the best things about the 2012 NFL season.

One day before his team was scheduled to face the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild-card playoff game, a letter Pagano wrote to the city of Indianapolis was published in Indiana's biggest newspaper.

When I accepted the job as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts last January, it was a dream come true for me and my family. I knew I was coming to an organization with a great owner and a great winning tradition. I knew Indy had great fans, but I might have underestimated just how great. Being new to the community I never expected the outpouring of support I received from Colts fans throughout the state and country. The love and support you showed my family and me gave me a tremendous amount of comfort and peace. Every letter, success story, prayer and act of kindness made this process a whole lot easier. I am also fortunate to have had some of the best doctors and nurses in the country right here in Indiana to care for me. I am proud to serve as the head coach of your Colts. I take great pride in knowing that the team has persevered this season because you have shown them the same support you have shown my family and me. You have had a huge impact on my recovery and our season and I look forward to accomplishing great things here for a long, long time.

On behalf of the Pagano family, thank you for helping me heal and for showing our country that we do have the best fans in the entire world; fans whose love for their coaches and players extends way beyond the football field.

Sincerely,Chuck Pagano

While Pagano's presence has inspired many in Indiana, he'll likely get a reception in Baltimore that no opposing coach has likely ever received, especially in a playoff game. The former defensive coordinator for the Ravens, Pagano has been in regular contact with several of his former players throughout the season.

"The whole connection runs deep," Ravens safety Ed Reed told the Star. "I think it really just hit me that he is coming back and I'll see him across the field. With all that Chuck and I have been through, and with him being my old coach, him knowing me so well and me growing up around him, and him being part of my family, it is going to be special."